KLANG, Sept 27 — The government is looking at widening roads in the Port Klang area to support the expansion of the local logistics sector so it can boost Malaysia’s economy by RM55 billion.

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said the road widening project is to support the Westports 2 expansion plans, which can generate RM55 billion to the economy, while also reducing road crashes in the area.

"I saw an initial report yesterday about an accident involving a large truck at Westport. It’s common to see Malaysia facing high accident rates due to infrastructure weaknesses.

"I will discuss with the minister and the Transport Ministry how we can expedite road widening efforts,” he said in his speech during the Westports 2 groundbreaking ceremony here this morning.

However, Anwar said that it was not an official announcement from the government

"Some people are hoping I can make an announcement, especially since the budget is coming up next month, and I’m looking for final details.

"As a responsible minister, I cannot provide a definitive answer at this moment, but we have the capacity to address this. For now, we need to wait a bit longer,” said Anwar who is also the finance minister.

The Westports 2 project aims to increase the port’s handling capacity once all terminals, from Container Terminal 10 to Container Terminal 17, are completed.

Currently, there are only nine container terminals.

Westports executive chairman and group managing director Datuk Ruben Emir Gnanalingam said the project is expected to generate an output of RM55 billion for the Malaysian economy throughout the project period.

"Westports 2 will create a new free trade zone covering 550 acres. This free zone will attract more foreign direct investment and stimulate additional regional and global distribution centres, such as IKEA, Robert Bosch, and Marks & Spencer, which are already established here.

"Westports 2 will also be developed with automation and digitalization, creating more high-skilled jobs for Malaysians,” he said at the same event.

To date, Ruben said that Westports has contributed nearly RM4 billion to the government in the form of corporate taxes and lease payments.

"This amount is expected to increase significantly over the next 30 years due to the new agreements related to Westports 2.

"Additionally, the land purchased for the development of Westports 2, valued at more than RM600 million, will eventually become the property of the government at no cost.

"Westports is also the largest generator of import duties in Malaysia, and we maintain close working relationships with the Royal Malaysian Customs Department, the Immigration Department, and MAQIS to manage the country’s borders,” he said.